This author brings a wealth of experience from decades in public service, focusing on critical national and international issues. Their writing delves into themes of improving living standards for the middle class, addressing violence, and combating disease. They are dedicated to expanding opportunities and championing diplomatic engagement. Their literary work reflects their extensive policy background and a commitment to fostering positive societal change.
The book offers a comprehensive collection of all 60 Presidential inaugural addresses, tracing the evolution of this enduring tradition from George Washington to Joe Biden's unique speech during the Covid-19 pandemic. It highlights the historical context of each election that led to these presidencies and provides insights into the inaugural ceremonies themselves. Author Ian Randal Strock presents a rich narrative that captures the significance of these speeches in American political history.
A deeply moving memoir about the year that would forever change both a family and a country. In November 2014, thirteen members of the Biden family gathered on Nantucket for Thanksgiving, a tradition they had been celebrating for the past forty years; it was the one constant in what had become a hectic, scrutinized, and overscheduled life. The Thanksgiving holiday was a much-needed respite, a time to connect, a time to reflect on what the year had brought, and what the future might hold. But this year felt different from all those that had come before. Joe and Jill Biden's eldest son, Beau, had been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor fifteen months earlier, and his survival was uncertain. "Promise me, Dad," Beau had told his father. "Give me your word that no matter what happens, you're going to be all right." Joe Biden gave him his word. Promise Me, Dad chronicles the year that followed, which would be the most momentous and challenging in Joe Biden's extraordinary life and career. Vice President Biden traveled more than a hundred thousand miles that year, across the world, dealing with crises in Ukraine, Central America, and Iraq. When a call came from New York, or Capitol Hill, or Kyiv, or Baghdad "Joe, I need your help" he responded. For twelve months, while Beau fought for and then lost his life, the vice president balanced the twin imperatives of living up to his responsibilities to his country and his responsibilities to his family. And never far away was the insistent and urgent question of whether he should seek the presidency in 2016. The year brought real triumph and accomplishment, and wrenching pain. But even in the worst times, Biden was able to lean on the strength of his long, deep bonds with his family, on his faith, and on his deepening friendship with the man in the Oval Office, Barack Obama
President Joe Biden tells the story of his extraordinary life and career prior to his emergence as Barack Obama's beloved, influential Vice-President. With his customary honesty and wit, Biden movingly and eloquently recounts growing up in a staunchly Catholic multigenerational household, overcoming personal tragedy life-threatening illness and career setbacks